The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a government organization established under the APEDA Act to promote the export of agricultural and processed food products. These include dairy, meat, poultry, floriculture, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and more.

Why APEDA Registration is Important

Businesses engaged in exporting food products must register with APEDA. The process starts with obtaining an Import Export Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), followed by completing the APEDA online registration form on the official website.

Documents Required:

• IEC Code
• Digital Signature
• Bank Certificate or Canceled Cheque
• Email ID and Mobile Number
• Bank Account Details

Once registered, exporters receive the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC). This certificate enables:

• Access to export promotion schemes
• Participation in trade fairs and international expos
• Eligibility for financial assistance and training programs
• Compliance with global quality standards

How Sperso Filings Helps

At Sperso Filings, we simplify the APEDA registration process:

• End-to-end support with documentation and application filing
• Assistance in fee payment through secure online channels (Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, etc.)
• Real-time tracking and updates of your application status
• Nationwide support – available across all major cities in India

With Sperso Filings, you can register quickly, stay compliant, and expand your food export business globally.

APEDA Act

Enacted in 1985, the APEDA Act established APEDA to support the export of agricultural and processed food products such as meat, dairy, and horticulture items.

Key Provisions:

• Exporter Registration: Mandatory for businesses exporting scheduled products.
• Financial Support: Offers grants and schemes for improving product quality.
• Quality Standards: Ensures international-grade compliance.
• Monitoring: Tracks export performance and offers improvement strategies.

The Act enhances India’s food export capabilities through quality assurance and support programs.

Definition and Role of APEDA

APEDA is a government body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, formed in 1985 to promote the export of Indian food and farm products.

Roles:

• Export Promotion: Boosts Indian food exports with marketing support.
• Infrastructure Support: Helps build facilities like cold storage and packaging units.
• Standard Setting: Ensures exports meet global safety and quality standards.
• Financial Assistance: Provides funds for export-related improvements.
• Training: Offers educational programs for exporters.

APEDA plays a crucial role in expanding India’s global market reach and supporting agricultural communities.

Importance of APEDA Registration

APEDA registration benefits food exporters in multiple ways:

• Regulatory Compliance: Confirms adherence to export norms.
• Market Expansion: Enables access to global markets.
• Financial Aid: Qualifies for government support schemes.
• Business Growth: Helps companies scale exports effectively.

Having APEDA certification boosts trust, competitiveness, and business opportunities.

How to Get APEDA Registration

• Verify Eligibility: Check if your products fall under APEDA’s scheduled list.
• Prepare Documents: Collect business licenses and export details.
• Submit Application: Complete the form and pay the required fee.
• Receive Certificate: Once approved, get the RCMC for legal export operations.

Registration helps exporters meet regulations and access promotional benefits.

Understanding APEDA

APEDA is a government-backed authority supporting Indian exporters of food and farm products. It ensures export quality and compliance with international standards.

Key Functions:

• Export Promotion: Helps Indian products reach global markets.
• Product Development: Assists in enhancing food product quality.
• Quality Control: Sets and enforces standards for packaging and safety.

APEDA enables smoother exports by ensuring Indian food meets international expectations.

Legal Framework Governing APEDA

APEDA Act, 1985:

This act established APEDA under the Ministry of Commerce to regulate and support the export of processed and agricultural products. It ensures compliance with global trade laws and promotes quality improvement.

Ministry of Commerce and Industry:

The Ministry oversees foreign trade policies, ensuring Indian exports align with international norms.

• Department of Commerce: Regulates trade compliance.
• DPIIT: Promotes industrial growth and internal trade.

Together, they enable seamless exports and market access through institutions like APEDA.

Compliance Requirements for APEDA Registered Exporters

Exporters must fulfill several requirements to maintain APEDA certification:

Key Documents:

• Completed application form
• IEC certificate
• PAN card and address proof
• Bank certificate and 2-month account statement
• Product list and FSSAI certificate (if applicable)

In addition to documentation, businesses must adhere to APEDA’s quality and packaging standards. Meeting these ensures international eligibility and access to APEDA assistance programs for improved product readiness.

Eligibility and Requirements for APEDA Registration

To access global markets, businesses must register with APEDA if they export agricultural or processed food products. APEDA registration ensures exporters comply with government norms and gain export benefits.

Who Can Apply?

• Exporters of Scheduled Products: Businesses exporting specific items like fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy must register.
• Agricultural Manufacturers: Units producing these goods and wishing to export can apply, provided they have valid business registration like FPO or registration with the Directorate of Industries.

Applicants can register on the APEDA website using their IEC, email ID, and mobile number. After approval, they receive the RCMC, which is required for export.

Documents Required for APEDA Registration

Applicants must submit accurate documents to complete registration without delay. Key documents include:

• Import Export Code (IEC) – Mandatory for all exporters.
• Bank Certificate or Cancelled Cheque – Verifies business bank account.
• Identity & Address Proof – PAN, Aadhaar, or Passport; utility bill for address proof.
• Business Incorporation Certificate – For companies or registered entities.

These documents must be clear and valid during upload to avoid rejection.

APEDA Registration Fees

• One-Time Registration Fee: ₹5,000 (excluding GST).
• Annual Renewal Fee: 25% of the registration amount.
• Payment Modes: Online (credit/debit card) or offline via Demand Draft.

Fees may change. Always confirm on the official APEDA website for the latest structure.

Products Covered Under APEDA

APEDA supports the export of the following product categories:

• Fruits & Vegetables – Both fresh and processed.
• Meat & Poultry – Sausages, frozen meat, eggs, and more.
• Dairy Products – Milk, cheese, butter.
• Bakery & Confectionery – Biscuits, chocolates, sweets.
• Honey, Sugar, Jaggery – Natural and processed sweeteners.
• Beverages – Soft drinks, juices, alcoholic beverages.
• Cereal Products – Rice, wheat, and other grains.
• Floriculture – Flowers and decorative plants.
• Medicinal & Herbal Plants – Ayurveda and health-related exports.

Step-by-Step APEDA Registration Process

Step 1: Online Application

• Visit the APEDA portal and click "Register as Member".
• Submit IEC, email ID, and mobile number for OTP verification.
• Fill out the business details in the registration form.

Step 2: Upload Documents

• Upload IEC, PAN, bank certificate, etc., in the specified format.
• Avoid errors—ensure all documents are scanned clearly.

Step 3: Pay Registration Fee

• Pay ₹5,000 (plus GST) via online modes or Demand Draft.
• Save and download the payment receipt.

Step 4: Verification & Approval

• APEDA verifies all submissions.
• Upon approval, the RCMC certificate is issued and downloadable online.

Post-Registration Compliance for APEDA

Ongoing Obligations

• File Export Returns regularly with APEDA.
• Ensure all exported items meet quality and packaging norms.
• Certifications like FSSAI may be required for food-based exports.

APEDA Registration Renewal

Validity:

Registration remains valid for 5 years.

Renewal Steps:

• Start the renewal before expiry via the APEDA portal.
• Submit updated IEC, current APEDA certificate, and other required documents like FSSAI (if applicable).

Penalties:

Delays in renewal can lead to certificate cancellation, halting export operations. Timely renewal is crucial to avoid compliance issues and penalties.

Role of APEDA in Export Promotion

APEDA actively supports India’s agricultural exports by aiding exporters through various initiatives:

• Market Intelligence: Shares data and trends to guide exporters in global markets.
• Infrastructure Development: Offers financial aid for cold storage, pack houses, and other export-focused infrastructure.
• R&D Support: Encourages innovation and quality improvement in agricultural exports.
• Certification Assistance: Helps exporters obtain international certifications like FSSAI and others to meet global standards.
• Regulatory Coordination: Works with GST, Ministry of Commerce, and others to ensure smooth compliance and trade.

Common Challenges and Solutions in APEDA Registration

Frequent Issues:

Delays due to incomplete applications or missing documents like IEC or FSSAI.

Avoiding Rejections:

Ensure all information is accurate and documents are uploaded in the correct format.

Certificate Delays:

Technical or document-related issues can cause hold-ups. Exporters should regularly check application status.

Dispute Resolution:

In case of registration disputes, maintain detailed records and contact APEDA for support. Legal assistance may also be sought if necessary.

Why Choose Sperso Filings for APEDA Registration?

• Fast Application Support: We guide you step-by-step to prepare and file your application correctly.
• Accurate Documentation: Our team helps eliminate errors that could cause delays or rejections.
• Expert Guidance: With in-depth knowledge of APEDA rules, we’re here to answer all your queries.
• Timely Updates: We track your application and provide regular updates until approval.